18th-century American Art Song
Francis Hopkinson (1737–1791), Philadelphia native and signer of the Declaration of Independence, is usually considered the first important American song composer. His most famous song is "My Days Have been so Wondrous Free", and his Seven Songs for the Harpsichord were composed in 1788 and dedicated to George Washington.
Other 18th-century American song composers
- Peter Von Hagen (1750–1803), Dutch born
- Alexander Reinagle (c. 1750 – 1809)
- Benjamin Carr (1768–1831), English born
- Gottlieb Graupner (1767–1836), German born, arrived in the U.S. in 1795
- Oliver Shaw (1779–1848)
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